Friday, June 29, 2007

From GOC

Enjoying our holidays.. without rain......yes.. after waiting eagerly the rain has not paid a visit yet..

So we r just finising a bit of shopping without rain.....

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Rain water harvesting.




Today we had a discussion on water. The most precious natural resource that we have on earth and whose value is increasing day by day due to its ever increasing scarcity. That is when I recalled a conversation that I had with my Colleague who hails from Chennai. Chennai has always faced water problems since no major river flows through it. It depends mostly on the monsoon for water. But with the rain water harvesting technique, implemented by the former Chief Minister – Jayalalitha, he was saying that the ground water level has increased and they do not face water scarcity like before. Each house has implemented the system whereby the rain water during the monsoon season is collected and stored. Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rain from roofs or from a surface catchment for future use. The water is generally stored in rainwater tanks or directed into mechanisms which recharge groundwater. This is appropriate in many parts of the world, such as western Britain, China, Brazil, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Germany, Australia and India.

I also read that this technique was made use even 4,000 years ago! It was in Lothal, the ancient town of Harappa in Gujarat. Lothal is called the “mount of dead” since it is a very dry region. But it was a thriving port in yesteryears. It is proved that they had fascinating terraquaculture system — integrated land and water use practices. Click for further read.

I believe it is time each country pursued water conservation more seriously before we end up fighting major wars for water. State like mine which is blessed by abundant rain should invest in rain water harvesting systems and maybe this should be either made compulsory or the state should offer subsidy.

http://www.rwh.in/

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Count Down

Only 2 more days left to go.. and the rain is lashing heavily, disrupting, Air, Train and road traffic. The river next to our house is almost spilling over. If the rains continue in the same manner, I doubt a comfortable trip home since we have to travel almost 2 and half hours from the Airport. But come what may we have to go!

And there is no current since 3 days.. so if I am not online that means there is no electricity, hence no internet connection and no blogging!

Guess we should take our Bangalore trip earlier than planned. Wonder how the rains are treating Bangalore.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Pornography and Child Predators



These numbers are startling:

•1 out of 3 children* are exposed to sexually explicit images online they did not want to view
(Previously 1 in 4 )
• 79%* of exposures occur at home
• 9%* occur at school
• *Not advising adults of exposures has also gotten worse
(*Youth Internet Safety Study-2)
• Average age of 1st exposure is 11 years old(Family Safe Media)
• Pornography is a tool frequently used by predators to lure and coax children--
• Pornography is now going "mobile"(cell phones, etc)
To continue reading, please check this site.. http://internetsafetyadvisor.info/pornography/


What disturbed me most was..

Pornography-after first exposure:

• The desire and need to keep coming back for pornographic images.
• * Escalation - The need for more explicit, rougher, and more deviant images for the same sexual effect.
• * Desensitization - Materiel once viewed as shocking or taboo is seen as acceptable or commonplace.
• * Acting out - The tendency to perform the behaviors viewed, including exhibitionism, sadistic/masochistic sex, group sex, rape, or sex with minor children
(Dr. Victor Cline, clinical psychologist at the University

Human Trafficking

Recently many of the Gulf Countries were black listed for Human Trafficking. Wikepedia, gives the following explanation for the same.

Trafficking of human beings is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of people for the purpose of exploitation. Trafficking involves a process of using illicit means such as threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability.

Exploitation includes forcing people into prostitution or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labour or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude or the removal of organs. For children exploitation may include also, illicit international adoption, trafficking for early marriage, recruitment as child soldiers, for begging or for sports (such as child camel jockeys or football players).[1]

UN has recommended certain principles and guidelines on Human Rights and Human Trafficking.

Well, this is a fact and we see them around daily. Most of them are from Bangladesh and their monthly wage can start from a mere KD 10/- (35 USD). There isn’t anything much one can do with this money. And most of them would have paid 1-2 Lakh(1500USD) Bangladeshi Taka to secure a Visa! Which means they are bonded for life if they wish to repay this amount. One can see them as scavengers, looking for pepsi cans, bottles etc. to be sold to the recycling companies. If they are not doing this they could be seen selling CD’s, Vegetables and fish. In this process, they are often rounded up by the Municipal authoriites or even by the locals. I myself witnessed a Bangladeshi being manhandled while selling CD's. After the manhandling all his Cd's were taken away by the local youth! But during the process, this over zealous guy was shouting that it is "aram" for he is selling porn and ruining the youth!

And yes, some run brothels and even act as spies for the local police.

As they say, sometimes we let ourselves be abused, and this has happened in these Gulf countries too.

One cannot blame just the local government alone. Neither the Indian government nor the Bangladesh government are serious in controlling this menace. In this case the Philippine Embassy is the strongest and they have taken all the measures to help their citizens. As for Indians, they are well aware of the situation in the Gulf, but are still willing to take the risk. Either they are too frustrated back home or they are highly optimistic! Most of the recruitment offices are run by expatriates and hence they are the masters and the teachers of this game. For construction jobs the if the Ministry is paying 150 KD for the labourers, the sub contractor will pocket a good percentage and pay the workers a miniscule amount. Even if they are provided accommodation, the same will be cramped and horrible.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Strangers

People may call me silly, but I have this habit to pray for total strangers. It mostly happens on my morning ride to the office. I might see a stranger on the wheels and silently pray for whatever troubles he may be facing. That is when I came to know that I am not alone in this exercise while reading the inspirational speaker Bob Perks. I wrote to him on this and he replied that he does this himself and felt very happy doing it. Yea for me too, it gives a special happiness when you know that you have prayed for an unknown person.

Sadhu Sundar Singh writes about prayer thus:

Just as the salt water of the sea is drawn upwards by the hot rays of the sun, and gradually takes on the form of clouds, and, turned thus into sweet and refreshing water, falls in showers on the earth (for the sea water as it rises upwards leaves behind it its salt and bitterness), so when the thoughts and desires of the man of prayer rise aloft like misty emanations of the soul, the rays of the Sun of Righteousness purify them of all sinful taint, and his prayers become a great cloud which descends from heaven in a shower of blessing, bringing refreshment to many on the earth.

Sunday, June 17, 2007

chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML)

Our Office boy's wife is diagnosed with CML. she is only 25 years and they have a 1 and half year old little girl too.

On reading about CML I am informed that it is a rare type of cancer and around 500 cases are noted in US alone. She is undergoing treatment but yesterday he was informed that she is running a very high fever and she is having heart pains too. the doctor changed her medication but still no respite.(They are from Bangladesh)

We are collecting money for him and our GM was kind enough to donate 1000KD (USD 3500) from his side. Since we have many employees, we hope to collect a good sum. He is planning to travel immediately and we shall send some money with him now. The balance shall be kept for her treatment or if she doesnt survive will be deposited in his daughter's name.

I hear that Bangladesh being a third world country is a dumping ground for chemical waste of rich countries. The government is paid a handsome some for this but the citizens are suffering from cancer and various other diseases. Most areas are swampy and this land is used to dump these chemicals.

I have always believed that cancer is man made. It is the result of various activities which ignores the perils that are attached to it. The people involved very well know the result but in the name of reasearch and progress it continues.

Now with out sourcing and factories being build in third world countries, the pollution and various health hazzards are now being shifted to those citizens who cannot afford to foot their medical bills. And sadly, they are not aware of what is happening around.

Saturday, June 16, 2007

UN Declares Mahatma Gandhi’s Birth Anniversary As “International Non-Violence Day”

UN Declares Mahatma Gandhi’s Birth Anniversary As “International Non-Violence Day”

The resolution to respect the apostle of humanity and peace, has been moved in the UN General Assembly by India and co-sponsored by 120 of total 191 members. The resolution expected to be passed on Friday, reaffirms the universal relevance of non-violence, the gospel taught by Gandhi through out his life and followed by many leaders world over to win the heart of the enemy.

The resolution stresses the need for non-violence, tolerance, full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, democracy, development, mutual understanding and respect for diversity as reinforcements for peace and growth of mankind.

Yes.. I am very happy to know that Mahatma Gandhi’s birth will now be celebrated worldwide. In school we used to have a week long of Social Productive Activities and every individual used to take part in the cleaning of the premises and the local areas. It was great to note that Mahatma could make a person do this task even it was only once in a year.

These days Mahatma has become a very controversial figure specially for Indians. Maybe they feel they have the right to talk about him since he is an Indian. There has been many discussions every where and one finds varying opinions. Here is one such write up from an American in Mumbai and please take time to read the comments too. I will never understand the person who abused him and I hereby offer my condolences to that lost soul.

In the present troubled world Ahimsa or non-violence is very relevant. The world has tried everything else. If you see the war in Iraq or Afganisthan, nothing has been achieved so far by violence. We have just killed more and more and those whom we have not killed physically, we have succeeded in killing their spirits. In Emirates “Gandhi” is shown often in the local TV and there are many here who respect him immensely.

I think the time has come to take this great person more seriously and understand him better. Else Indians will lose him forever, in the same way we are going to lose "Taj Mahal" from the list of "Wonders of the World".

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Power cuts


Heard in the news that like last year there will be power cuts even this year. It is not that I am new to power cuts. I have practically grown up with it. Back in my state, it could be for 1 or more hours and sometimes indefinitely! But then the temperatures over there don’t go above 35 degrees unlike here where it can even go to 60 degrees. I fail to understand why they don’t use the revenue from the oil for alternate energy like, Solar or wind. They have the money for the same and can easily employ experts in this field for these projects. In fact many governments have come forward but there are no takers. Oil is not going to last forever and whatever oil they are getting now can be sold outside. The solar energy will take care of the future generations.

Anyway we should board the plane before the power cuts!

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Get Paid for Blogging

I have been figuring out various ways to make money while blogging. Me greedy eh? not at all.. I think it is fun.. so now I have one more way to go! By signing up with Smorty. You get paid for blogging!

Smorty is a service connecting advertisers with bloggers. Advertisers can pay bloggers to write opinion posts with links back to the advertisers site. You get paid for blogging, blog advertising, etc.

Please make sure you write 150 - 300 words. I missed that rule the first time.

Their assignments are simple and easy to do and their site is very user friendly.. but above all you will know how much money you are going to make the minute you take up their assignments. I have only started with them and I am eager to take up more assignments as soon as my first post is approved. They will ask you to review other sites of interests and you can even take advantage of those sites by visiting them yourself. They have travel sites, grocery sites etc.

So here I am... just beginning to enjoy the fun...and hopefully make some money too!

why dont u join me by signing up with them?

Rajnikanth and Sivaji


Who is Rajnikanth? An experienced actor and regional celebrity, [2] he received India's third highest civilian honour, the Padmabhushan for his work in Indian cinema in 2000. Although he is not a Tamilian, his fans have taken him to their hearts. People admire and even worship him. They say he is a warm hearted person and treats everyone equally. Since he has humble beginnings, he still relates to the people from the lower strata of society. His latest film Sivaji the Boss has already collected tickets in advance when the movie is yet to be released on 15th June. It seems this movie is being released even in Japan! Now what does the Japanese people who have little time to spare see in Rajnikanth. Beats me! They say there is much laughter in his movie. I guess the Japanese in their busy life forgets to laugh. Well, they have seen much in their lives with the nuclear bombings so one cannot blame them. Even in the neighbouring state Kerala they expect a good collection. And Rajnikanth takes more remuneration than the Iconic figure Amitabh Bachan.

It is finally released.. we tried to get tickets but all the theatres are fully booked!

Monday, June 11, 2007

Internet Startup Entrepreneur and Money Making Ideas

Jimmy Huen’s blog, Founders Cafe, is a blog about Internet Entrepreneur and Business as well as money making ideas. He is chronicling the entire process of his Internet Startup in real time, and is offering to link to your blog and an early registration spot for his revenue sharing program if you do a brief review of his blog post.

Below are the early adopters that are already on board:

Priority 1 - Internet Startup Entrepreneur and Money Making Ideas:

1.) Buzzing Bell - buzzingbell.com
2.) Rex Dixon, Technically Speaking - rexduffdixon.com
3.) Get traffic and earn online at Andy Coates Dot Com
4.) Really Funny Jokes
5.) Wordpress, Adsense, SEO und Internet Marketing - in German
6.) Experiment in Entrpreneurship
7.) Blackyard Technologies
8.)Create your own blog
9.) Money Making Opportunities

Priority 2:

1.) Inner 88 - JasonAClark.com
2.) Nate Whitehill - NateWhitehill.com

nd now this..

The sweet truth: Ditch sugar to look ten years younger
Last updated at 11:03am on 11th June 2007


We all know sweet treats add inches to the waistline, but did you know that chocolate could also give you wrinkles?

In his new book 10 Minutes/10 Years: Your Definitive Guide To A Beautiful And Youthful Appearance, dermatologist Dr Fredric Brandt explains why sugar is enemy Number One.

He believes that by simply reducing your sugar intake, you can turn back the clock by ten years and improve the texture, tone and radiance of your skin

Hot Breads

Our phone number is similar to the local restaurant “Hot Breads” except for the last number and we often get calls from customers, but yesterday was hilarious!
Wish I could write this in my own language…
Caller: “Hello, is this Avarachan?”
Hubby: No
Caller : Is this Hot Breads
Hubby: No
Caller: Please keep 2 Chicken and Paratha ready
That is when I saw Hubby’s frustration turn to something else…
Hubby: How many Parathas?
Caller : 10
Hubby: should I sent it to you.
Caller : No, I am coming, please keep ready.

I was listening to this conversation the whole time and was bewildered wondering what he is planning to send! And that is when Hubby explained.. oh we laughed and laughed..

Saturday, June 9, 2007

Without the kids

The kids are missing us and we are missing them. But still we are making use of this time to ourselves to the maximum. On Thursday we went to Ceasers Restaurant straight from job before we started the shopping. Had a very nice meal. It is been a long time since we did this.. just both of us. But when we mentioned this to our kids, they called us "naughty"! LOL

Charity

I have not done much charity works myself, so the least I can do is to appreciate those who are doing it.

The other day I was watching a feature on this lady - Mrs. Uma Premen - who runs a Kidney Dialysis centre. Now dialysis is an expensive affair, but she is doing it for around 9-10 USD! They even a run a mobile unit which caters to those who cannot afford to travel or those who are too weak to travel. But the best part is that she herself donated one of her kidneys to a total stranger.

Thursday, June 7, 2007

Shopping..

Today I shall be doing what I like the most... shopping! (hope Hubby reads this after the shopping!)

Even if it is window shopping I dont mind. But I am matured shopper now. I always check if I can do without a particular item before buying it. Discovered that Carrefour is best as far as pricing is concerened, but we shall be visiting the rest of the malls too. It is vacation time and we have to buy something.

Wednesday, June 6, 2007

Techonology...



In the revolution of miniature of computers, the scientists are ahead with
bluetooth technology... See the forthcoming computers within ur pockets ..

This pen sort of instrument produces both the monitor as well as the keyboard on
flat surfaces from where you can just carry out the normal operations you do on
your desktop.

My Tree

`My Tree' project has been envisaged as a collective initiative under the leadership of the Education Department. Planting materials will be distributed by the Social Forestry wing of the Forest and Wildlife Department. School-level committees to implement the project have already been constituted. Moreover, details regarding the species of saplings to be supplied for the project have been identified, according to the press release. Each student will be supplied the species of trees he or she demands.

I feel this is a great idea. It is said that previous attempts to plant trees were not successful since there was none to care. Now we have the best caretakers.. the children. They will be more diligent and sincere. I am very sure that they will take the utmost care to see that each sapling grows to a tree. It will also be a good experience for each child.

Happy Birthday


To our dearest daughter..

A few years ago this day God gave a precious gift to us.
You came as an answer to our fervent prayers.
You were so beautiful but very serious.
You wanted to be as independent as you could be even when you were a little baby.

We hope the very best for you our daughter.
And although you have grown tall.. in our hearts you still remain the little baby that you were.

We may worry and fret over you.. bear with us.

May this world be kind to you as you are kind to others.
May this world be considerate to you as you are considerate to others.
May this world be a happy place to you as you try to make this place happier.
May you face the challenges that this world throws with courage and fortitude.
May you have more patience dear daughter.. the world will wait for you.

Above all.. may your faith in our Almighty grow leap by leap each year.

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

Happy Landing..

The kids flew by AI this morning. Since they were travelling as unaccompanied minors they were handed over to the AI official. They were cool. Luckily the flight was in time.
Normally one is allowed 40 to 50 Kg, but suddenly they declared 35 Kg and most were unaware. They had to remove things or pay for the extra. Since many were taking the amnesity offered for 3 months they had much to carry with them. Poor folks!

IL's will be collecting the kids and they are eagerly waiting to see the bunnies. 20 days without the supervision of their parents should be heaven for them.. but we are going to miss them.

Monday, June 4, 2007

Dont miss this!

Wow!

This is called UNITY! I was about to close it since I couldnt bear to watch the poor buffalo being butchered by those powerful beasts.. but whatt followed was amazing! They returned with full force and released their little one from captivity.

I guess it is a lesson to be learned.. nothing can beat unity. Your enemy falters when u fight in unity.

Sunday, June 3, 2007

VeegaLand




This year also we wish to visit this Water Theme Park "VeegaLand". We have already visited it twice and enjoyed the rides each time. The place is well kept and very neat. It spreads over a hill and hence is most suitable for the water rides and the rest. Maybe this time they have added more amusements. Actually I am too scared to try all the rides so I become the official photographer!

One needs to spend a whole day if one should enjoy the full park. The water based rides were functioning only in the afternoon when we went there.

The locker rooms and the bathrooms were all neatly maintained. In fact we visited a water park here and found that it was nothing compared to Veegaland. One had to pay even for the plastic slides and the there was nothing called locker rooms.

Saturday, June 2, 2007

Rain

Ir rained for a while yesterday.. just enough to bring down the dust that never reached the ground so far.

Actually if it rains too long things will change drastically out here. It was in 1997 that we had the heaviest rain. I was working in the city at that time. It started around 3 PM and slowly we saw the water rising. And then it was utter chaos. I couldnt find our usual transport but luckily found a few friends. We hoppped into the car of a guy whom we met for the first time and started the journey around 6 PM. We could see water all around us and there were a few local boys helping us with directions. The most shocking site was a road with over head bridges.. it was completely submerged with a few cars stuck on the way down. And slowly we moved inch by inch.. Never have the residents seen such flooding in their entire lives.

We could reach home only after 11 PM. Luckily my maid was there to look after our daughter since even my Hubby could reach home only around that time.

We do wait for such occasions to come.. since there would be a holiday for sure.. but there was never a repition! There was another year where we had to return home after almost reaching the office.

Looking forward to see the monsoon and we have bought a fishing line this time. Since the river is right in front of our house we can try our luck. This will be the first time we will be fishing.

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